Edmonton, Alberta — The auto body program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is among three training institutions in the province due to receive a boost in classroom funding, thanks to an investment announced last Friday.
In addition to its northern counterpart NAIT, as well as Portage College and its many campuses, SAIT’s auto body technician and automotive service technician programs are due to receive $187,810 of a total $1.37 million investment earmarked for opening up additional seats in classrooms.
The Alberta government says this investment comes as part of a three-year plan to inject $15 million into apprenticeship education programs at post-secondary institutions across the province.
As part of this round of investment, which the government says will open at least 300 seats in classrooms, NAIT will receive $764,396 for its pipe, electrical and power line training programs, while Portage College will get $421,000 for its steamfitting, pipefitting and heavy equipment mechanics programs.
“Apprenticeship education is an important part of our post-secondary system. Making sure students have access to programs, training and resources not only sets them up for success but supports and grows industries and our economy with a world-class workforce,” said Alberta’s minister of advanced education, Demetrios Nicolaides.
